Rep. Brownley’s “Veterans Healthcare Improvement Act” would make permanent a requirement that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) verify the accuracy of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare budget. The bill would provide more certainty for veterans’ healthcare funding by aiding the advance appropriations process. The reporting requirement helps Congress evaluate the accuracy of the Administration’s baseline budget projections each year to ensure VA healthcare programs are adequately funded.

“I am proud that my first bill in Congress will help guarantee veterans receive the health benefits they have earned,” said Representative Julia Brownley. “By making the GAO reporting requirement permanent, we improve the advance funding process for veterans’ healthcare and we shield this appropriations process from political budget battles in Washington. Congress has a responsibility to serve our returning heroes in a way that honors their extraordinary, selfless sacrifice to our country, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee to continue to improve the lives of our veterans.”

Representative Julia Brownley currently serves on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Health.